12 Best Cars For Moms And Dads - Why Subaru Outback Is Only Good But Not The Best

What are the best new vehicles for moms and dads? U.S. News says twelve models make the list, and the Subaru Outback scores well but could be better.

What are the best new vehicles for families? U.S. News compiled a list of the best new models for moms and dads. They say the 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV scores among the top models, but there are better picks than this one. Check the report here before you buy.

The U.S. News says the good and best new family vehicles had to be "practical, with a good mix of features and plenty of passenger and cargo space. Good safety scores are essential, and reliability is important, as well. We also looked for kid-friendly features and easy rear-row access," says U.S. News.

Best Cars for Moms and Dads ranked from good to best.

2023 Kia Forte: $19,690 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 7.8/10
2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: $40,620 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 8.1/10
2023 Subaru Outback: $28,395 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 8.1/10
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid: $35,910 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 8.3/10
2023 Ford Bronco Sport: $29,215 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 8.3/10
2023 Honda CR-V: $28,410 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 8.4/10
2023 Honda Accord Hybrid: $31,345 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 8.6/10
2023 Mazda CX-30: $22,950 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 8.6/10
2023 Mazda3: $22,550 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 8.6/10
2023 Kia Telluride: $35,890 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 8.7/10
2023 Honda Odyssey: $37,490 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 9.0/10
2023 Ram 1500: $37,410 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 9.0/10

The 2023 Subaru Outback is one of the top picks, but there are better options. So what does U.S. News say about the Outback.?

Base Price: $28,895 | U.S. News Overall Rating: 8.1/10

"The Subaru Outback is a wagon that can hold its own against the most rugged small crossovers, with standard all-wheel drive, a spacious cabin, and plenty of cargo space. The Outback currently places fifth out of five in our wagon rankings. But don't let that deter you since its only real rivals are more expensive luxury vehicles from European brands."

There's one gripe against the Outback.

The Outback is comfortable and has many user-friendly tech and safety features. For 2024, Subaru refreshed the exterior styling for the Wilderness trim and tweaked the features list. Our only real gripe is that the Outback's base 182-horsepower engine is unimpressive; it's worth paying a little more to upgrade to the optional turbocharged 260-horsepower four-cylinder."

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Outback with the 2.5-liter engine?

The 2023 Outback comes in five trim levels for U.S. customers with the 2.5-liter engine. The base trim is priced from $29,620, Premium ($31,920), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5-liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520), Touring ($41,070). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Outback with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine?

The 2023 Outback comes in four trim levels for U.S. customers with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. The Outback Wilderness is priced from $39,670, Onyx Edition XT ($39,820), Limited XT ($40,920), and Touring XT ($43,520). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.

You Might Also Like: Find Out What The New Subaru Outback SUV's True 5-Year Cost To Own Is

Should you wait for the 2024 Outback?

Moms and dads who can wait can get the upgraded 2024 Subaru Outback. For the 2024 Outback model change, the midsize SUV gets further improvements like upgraded LED dome and cargo lights; a 360-degree heated steering wheel is now standard on more trim levels, including Wilderness and other Onyx Edition trim upgrades. You can check out the 2024 Outback pricing and model guide here.

What is the price of the 2024 Subaru Outback?

The Base is priced at $30,190, Premium ($32,490), Onyx Edition ($37,400), Limited ($37,090), Touring ($41,640), Onyx Edition XT ($40,655), Wilderness ($41,255), Limited XT ($41,490), and Touring XT ($44,090). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,295).

What sets the Outback apart from the competition?

What sets the Outback apart from other family SUVs? All Outback midsize SUV trim levels ride higher with extra ground clearance than most family haulers. The Outback has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive is standard on all trims, and X-Mode for all-terrain performance comes on all models. The Outback also gets the highest safety scores from the IIHS.

Our Take:

Unless you need the Outback XT's extra power and off-pavement capability, you will pay around $5,000-$8000 less for a comparably equipped 2.5i trim level. However, the Onyx Edition XT and Wilderness trims are priced under $42,000 and are a good choice for those with active lifestyles who will use the SUV for off-pavement adventures to get further off the grid.

The 2024 Subaru Outback remains the automaker's flagship model in the U.S. and is the brand's second-best best-selling all-wheel-drive vehicle in the lineup. The midsize SUV has several new features for customers and will arrive at Subaru of America retailers this fall.

You Might Also Like: The New 2024 Subaru Outback Configurator Is Now Live For Customers - Check trim levels, features, colors, and pricing before you go to the dealer.

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru USA